Some 71 volunteers, six PATH outreach workers, four SD Park Rangers and one state Assembly member trudged through dense growth and spiderwebs at 6 a.m. to count tents, and to offer people hygiene kits, water, and connection to services. This quiet wave of volunteers spent four days (September 25-28) conducting field surveys for the fall census of unhoused individuals living in the riverbed.In total, 323 people were counted, reflecting a 14.9% decrease since the spring census count (281). Organizers pointed out that it is important to consider that in the spring there are less people camping in the river because of the rain and the height of the river itself. The overall number is down by 100 people from fall of 2024 (423).

Shawn Brazill, 51, learned to love cooking around the age of 8. He learned the fine arts of nutrition and seasoning from his mother and grandmother. His accent gives away being born and raised in the Bronx. His father was an NYPD detective, his mother an RN in pediatrics. Shawn pursued a career in finance, eventually working at J.P. Morgan, and consulting globally. After getting married in Europe, then suffering the loneliness of divorce during COVID, Shawn came to San Diego. His culinary skills and natural outgoing personality made him a lot of friends - especially with anyone who happened to be hungry and nearby. Riding thru downtown looking for resources to share with others, he makes sure he’s home at B Lot when food donations come in so he can grill up a hot plate for fellow residents.

Ronald, 68, has always been resourceful. He has his recycling system down to a science. He knows which liquor stores have large dumpsters nearby, and which bus stops typically have trash cans where riders leave drink containers. He makes sure he follows behind parade routes, marathons, downtown rallies and marches, or big events in Balboa Park. Originally from new Orleans, he moved out to San Diego to be near family when his marriage went south. All was fine for years until his mother passed away and those family members kicked him out of the apartment they all shared. Again, ever resourceful, he bounced between motels and shelters until he was able to secure a Section 8 voucher, eventually landing in a downtown studio apartment. He still cans every day.

Mark always liked singing. When he was five he and his three other brothers would sing along with the radio. They never made it big, but Mark and his twin brother Martin always had a magical musical connection when they were together. In fact, Mark and Martin were often in the same prison at the same time. Mark even managed to fool the guards at San Quentin, hoping to get his brother released in his place, but it didn’t work out. Having learned to draw while in juvenile detention, Mark managed to stay creative the rest of his life: drawing, tattoos, woodburning, even jewelry making. He manages to make some spending money designing walking canes with elaborate carvings.